Introduction to Pilates & the Align Pilates Method

Pilates History Pronounced (Pi-la-tes), Pilates is an exercise technique that focuses on strengthening the trunk muscles and creating long strong muscles in the arms and legs. Pilates is an exercise methodology developed by Mr. Joseph Pilates and his wife Clara. The method focuses on controlled movements, especially using the abdominals and coordinating the breath, for this reason he originally called his method “contrology.” Mr. Pilates ran his New York studio, where he trained many dancers and others, from approximately 1925 well into the 1960s until his death in 1967 at the age of 83. There are a few original students who went on to found their own studios and teach the Pilates Method. They are known as the “Pilates Elders”. Several of them are very well known names in Pilates today, and classical Pilates teachers can trace their "lineage" back to one of these original students. Contemporary Pilates...

As the leaves begin to turn their magnificent colours and the temperatures start to drop, signs of autumn are everywhere. Just what is it about autumn that brings about feelings of nostalgia? Memories of snow sports, warm fires and cozy sweaters come to mind — and the irresistible assortment of fall foods that accompany them.

Evolutionarily, we are designed to eat according to the seasons. Foods are at their nutritional peak, they provide properties that help keep our bodies comfortable during changing temperatures, and best of all, the flavour of in-season food is unparalleled. Autumn foods are designed to prepare our bodies for low food supply in the winter and to provide rich sources of vitamins and minerals to fill our nutrient reserves.

Looking for some new autumn staples? 

Apples

This fruit has enough varieties and flavours to appeal to everyone — sweet, tart and even sour make apples nature’s candy. Beyond the incredible taste, apples are an excellent...

There are six key principles of Pilates: concentration, control, centering, breathing, flow and precision, all of which are developed as skills with regular practice. It was designed as a resistance exercise to promote strength without bulking up.

Pilates focuses on strength, toning, flexibility and great posture with an emphasis on core strength. It works your most powerful, deepest muscle groups: your core, spine, hips and lats, all of which support a strong, elongated body and long, lean, stable musculature.

In short, it’s great for building muscular endurance, core strength and flexibility.

Increasing Core Strength

Pilates often requires you to move one body part while keeping others still. Since movement is generated and stabilised by the core, the muscles of your abdomen, back, hips and pelvis gain strength with repeated practice.

Pilates strengthens supporting muscles to keep you upright. The idea is to develop muscles evenly and symmetrically so one group doesn’t...

If you’re looking to stay fit—and feeling good—throughout those nine months, look no further than Align Pilates Reformer Classes. 

Pregnant? First of all, congratulations!! 

Once you have had the all clear from your GP Prenatal Pilates is one of the best forms of exercise you can do—and you should start as early in your pregnancy as possible. 

Not only is Pilates completely safe during pregnancy for most women, it’s an intelligent, whole-body approach to conditioning. Pilates is one of the only exercise methods out there that will give you the muscle strengthening, the stretching and the breath-work you need.

Need more reasons to do Prenatal Pilates? 

1 - Pilates is just the things for you body as it changes and your baby grows! 

As the body changes throughout pregnancy, there are certain things that become a little challenging, namely balance, endurance and coordination. In your Pilates practice, you’re working...

I like this recipe because it is gluten free and food prep friendly. Making this batch of granola lasts the whole week to feed me and my other half! Cooking in bulk saves not only money but time! 

It makes your home smell delicious and it packed with a variety of nutrients!

Having a goof course of fat for breakfast keeps us satisfied, fuller for longer and our brains off to a great start! 

Ingredients

• 2 cup raw almonds
• 2 cup raw cashews
• 2/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 2/3 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup virgin coconut oil
• 2/3 cup honey
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• 4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 & 1/2 cup dried cranberries or goji berries

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 140 °C
2. In a food processor or blender, add almonds, cashews, and coconut flakes to chop into small pieces. Do not over blend.
3. Heat coconut oil, honey, cinnamon and salt over medium high heat in a large saucepan, for about...

PREGNANCY GUIDELINES

During a normal and healthy pregnancy, Pilates is a safe form of exercise for the body, mind and spirit!

Pilates is best experiences with an instructor, but this is not always possible, so if group classes are the only option, it is important to find a class where the instructor can change, modify exercises accordingly depending on the stage of pregnancy. In general Pilates classes, many exercises are no longer appropriate (e.g lying prone/on belly, abdominal curls)

PREGNANCY AND EXERCISE

Precautions when exercising and signs to stop

Review the general precautions when exercising, if any of the following warning signs are observed – stop exercising immediately!

• Dizziness
• Feeling faint
• Nausea
• Racing heat beat
• Overheating
• Shortness of breath
• Uterine contractions
• Bleeding or leaking fluids
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Pre-term labour

 Absolute contraindications to exercise when pregnant 

• Pregnancy induced hypertension
  - Blood pressure >...

If you’ve decided to start taking ALIGN Pilates classes, well done! You’ve made a great decision to take your health and fitness to the next level. No matter your experience or current fitness level, ALIGN Pilates has classes to suit everyone. If you’re completely new to Pilates, we’ve put together some of our best tips to ensure you’re ready to go and making the most of your workout!

DO YOU NEED TO BRING ANYTHING WITH YOU?

Just a sweat towel! Feel free to bring a water bottle with you if you like, we have water for sale and a drinking fountain available just outside our studio – so all you really need to bring is your towel and smiley self!

Note: We do not allow glass bottles in the studio as if you kick them and they break it is a hazard for our bare feet! Feel free to leave them in your locker.  

ARRIVE 10 MINUTES EARLY

Don’t forget to arrive 10 minutes before your first class to meet your Pilates Instructor. We would...

We have all heard it many times before - regular exercise is good for you, and it can help you lose weight. But if you are like many people, you are busy, you have a sedentary job, and you haven't yet changed your exercise habits. The good news is that it's never too late to start. You can start slowly, and find ways to fit more physical activity into your life. If you can do it, the payoff is that you will feel better, help prevent or control many diseases, and likely even live longer.

What are the health benefits of exercise?

Regular exercise and physical activity may..

• Help you control your weight 
  Along with diet, exercise plays an important role in controlling your weight and preventing obesity. To maintain your weight, the calories you eat and drink must equal the energy you burn. To lose weight, you must use more calories than you eat and drink.
  
  
• Reduce your risk of heart diseases.
  Exercise strengthens your heart and improves your circulation. The increased blood flow...

This slice can satisfy a chocolate craving while giving you a good dose of nutrients that may support mood – in particular, magnesium and vitamin B6.

Ingredients 

• 1½ cups rolled oats
• cup each of hemp seeds, unhulled sesame seeds and pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• 1 cup raw Brazil nuts
• 2 cups pitted dates
• ¾ cup raw cacao
• ¼ cup ABC (almond, Brazil and cashew) nut spread (from health food store or supermarket health food section)
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

Method

1. Process Brazil nuts in a food processor until they become a coarse meal. Remove from bowl, set aside.
2. Process dates in food processor for 1-2 minutes, until they form large clumps. Add Brazil nut meal and raw cocoa to dates, process to combine.
3. Transfer mixture to large mixing bowl, add oats, seeds and pepitas, and use your hands to combine the mixture well.
4. In a small saucepan, warm the ABC spread and maple syrup over low heat until melted, combined and pourable. Do not let it boil.
5. Add to...